King James Version

What Does Isaiah 34:15 Mean?

Isaiah 34:15 in the King James Version says “There shall the great owl make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow: there shall the vultures also ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“There shall the great owl make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow: there shall the vultures also be gathered, every one with her mate.”

Isaiah 34:15 · KJV

Context

13

And thorns shall come up in her palaces, nettles and brambles in the fortresses thereof: and it shall be an habitation of dragons, and a court for owls . owls: or, ostriches: Heb. daughters of the owl

14

The wild beasts of the desert shall also meet with the wild beasts of the island, and the satyr shall cry to his fellow; the screech owl also shall rest there, and find for herself a place of rest. The wilddesert: Heb. Ziim the wildisland: Heb. Ijim screech: or, night monster

15

There shall the great owl make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow: there shall the vultures also be gathered, every one with her mate.

16

Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.

17

And he hath cast the lot for them, and his hand hath divided it unto them by line: they shall possess it for ever, from generation to generation shall they dwell therein.

Read Isaiah 34 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The "great owl" making her nest and laying eggs represents creatures finding permanent habitation in ruins. The Hebrew "qippoz" (possibly arrow snake) suggests dangerous creatures breeding undisturbed. "Vultures" gathering indicates ongoing death and decay. This comprehensive picture of desolation shows that once-thriving civilization becomes the domain of predators and scavengers. The irony is stark: Edom sought security but finds only creatures of death and darkness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Such detailed listing of creatures was a prophetic technique to emphasize totality. The breeding and gathering suggests not temporary but permanent desolation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does permanent desolation illustrate the enduring consequences of rejecting God?
  2. What does the breeding of creatures in ruins teach about how sin multiplies when unchecked?
  3. How should we view the "success" of godless societies knowing their ultimate fate?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
שָׁ֣מָּה1 of 13
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

קִנְּנָ֤ה2 of 13

“make her nest”

H7077

to nestle, i.e., build or occupy as a nest

קִפּוֹז֙3 of 13

“There shall the great owl”

H7091

spring forward; an arrow-snake (as darting on its prey)

וַתְּמַלֵּ֔ט4 of 13

“and lay”

H4422

properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn

וּבָקְעָ֖ה5 of 13

“and hatch”

H1234

to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open

וְדָגְרָ֣ה6 of 13

“and gather”

H1716

to brood over eggs or young

בְצִלָּ֑הּ7 of 13

“under her shadow”

H6738

shade, whether literal or figurative

אַךְ8 of 13
H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

שָׁ֛ם9 of 13
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

נִקְבְּצ֥וּ10 of 13

“also be gathered”

H6908

to grasp, i.e., collect

דַיּ֖וֹת11 of 13

“there shall the vultures”

H1772

a falcon (from its rapid flight)

אִשָּׁ֥ה12 of 13

“every one”

H802

a woman

רְעוּתָֽהּ׃13 of 13

“with her mate”

H7468

a female associate; generally an additional one

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 34:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 34:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 14:13

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